The 5 Money Fears Keeping Retirees Up at Night

Retirement confidence has hit its lowest point since post-COVID — and for good reason. From skyrocketing Medicare premiums to housing costs, Social Security uncertainty, growing debt, and the crushing weight of caregiving, retirees are facing a financial storm no one fully planned for.

In this episode, Terry, Richard, and Pam break down the top 5 worries from the brand-new 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey (Employee Benefit Research Institute) and, more importantly, what you can actually do about them.

• Why 40% of retirees say expenses are higher than expected
• The shocking truth about Medicare costs in 2026 (Plan G premiums up 40%!)
• How housing — even if you downsize — can blow up your retirement budget
• Social Security: what the 2033 trust fund depletion really means for YOU
• The debt crisis is quietly growing among retirees (39% are affected)
• Why 74% of workers plan to work in retirement — but only 31% actually do
• Caregiving: the retirement wildcard nobody budgets for

Links:

• EBRI 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey
• These are the top 5 things retirees are worried about right now (Richard Eisenberg)
• IRMAA Increases Medicare Premiums (Terry Savage)
• Inflation Isn't the Real Problem: Having No Plan to Account for It Is (Pam Krueger)
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling

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